I think way too often when we hear the word “play” we think just about children. And it is true, children like to play, but… don’t we all?
As we grow up, we forget how relieving a laugh feels and how liberating playing can be. While there are responsibilities to adult life, as adults we are also burdened by societal superstructures and stereotypes: we cannot cross the pedestrian crossing jumping from white stripe to white stripe with only one foot, we cannot pretend to follow an imaginary line while walking, we cannot even do a little dance while riding our bikes to work.
Or maybe we can?
As adults, perhaps we don’t play enough, or we don’t do it at all. After all, playing is such a joyful activity when we suddenly become curious, explore, relax, have a laugh, and, let’s be honest, it is difficult to be angry or sad when playing.
Playing is essential for well-being at every age. It helps us remember to enjoy ourselves and our surroundings. For some, it might be swinging on a swing, while for others, it could be gathering to play cards.
When you are a child, many games and activities need only a little imagination.
But what if public space stimulated the activity of playing for all ages? What if it made us want to play together?
What makes a public space inviting for play isn’t just the presence of a playground - especially since, once again, it should not only be about children. It should be about the environment’s ability to spark curiosity, invite interaction, and foster connection. For example, think about this; sometimes adding something as simple as colour, surprising textures or shapes can turn a simple walk into an adventure.
Paseo Bandera, Santiago de Chile
But of course, if we want to create playful public spaces for all, colour may just be a first step. Beyond that we should be thinking about how to make the space inviting for people to feel free to express themselves.
Perhaps a cross walk becomes a game of “floor is lava”, or a fountain turns into a spot for splash play. A simple patch of grass can invite a game of tag or a quiet moment under the sun. The goal is to give people of all ages a sense of safety, freedom to explore and make the space their own.
When we assess and design public spaces with our Good Public Space methodology we ask ourselves questions like: does the place provide shelter from weather and comfort for moving for people of all ages and abilities? Does the space invite spontaneous connection and interaction, for example, with art? In addition, we also of course consider the natural environment, a shading tree, a splashable fountain, or a quiet garden area makes a space feel inviting.
Play invites social interaction. Public spaces that incorporate interactive elements, like musical swings or game tables, are more than just places for fun—they’re platforms for community. Through thoughtful design, we can create play spaces that spark conversation, collaboration, and connection.
An inspiring example of a public space designed for play is Montreal’s Shade Parade, an installation that lets people slide through an avenue under the cover of huge parasols. Created by the design studio Daily tous les jours, the parasols transform a simple activity into a shared experience, inviting strangers to negotiate. The experience brings people together in a moment of shared joy, reminding us that play is more than a solitary experience; it’s a bridge to connecting with others.
We can create spaces for play that invite everyone to join, whether for a shared game, a solitary moment of curiosity, or just the joy of exploration. Designing good public spaces for play isn’t about filling the area with equipment; it’s about making a space that allows everyone—young and old—to play, unwind and be curious in their own way. And of course, designing places for play takes a pinch of one’s imagination and creativity. When we combine those we get places that make even the most grumpy neighbour stop by and drop a smile.
During one of our Good Public Space workshops we invited children to show us what playful places mean for them. We thought it was one of the best exercises to try and understand what public spaces are that really make us laugh, relax and connect. And don’t you think that it can really just be about unleashing your imagination?
Stay tuned to discover more about how public spaces can support activities that are vital for our health and well-being. In the next part we will be diving into moving so how about going for a nice stroll with your dog?
Marta Nosowicz – Urban Planning Specialist
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